The CEO of Abu Dhabi's sustainable city and research body, Masdar, has been made chairman of the organisation.

HE Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber will now chair Masdar's board of directors. His new position has let to the recruitment of Dr Ahmed Belhoul to chief executive.

Masdar was set up in 2006 as a commercially-driven entity to promote sustainable energy and includes the Masdar Institute university, the new Masdar City clean technology cluster and the Masdar Capital business for funding renewable projects.

The initiative is overseen by Abu Dhabi's General Services Company, Mubadala.

Its group CEO Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak said: “Under Dr. Al Jaber’s leadership, Masdar has been transformed from a bold initiative to a successful, globally-recognised entity that is contributing to the Emirate’s economic and energy diversification and has further developed the contributions of the UAE to the global energy sector.

Dr. Al Jaber will continue to serve as a minister of state within the UAE's federal cabinet and the country's Special Envoy for Energy and Climate Change.

Dr. Al Jaber said: “The appointment of Dr. Belhoul is another positive step in Masdar’s evolution. His executive skills and practical experience make him an ideal fit, bringing the right blend of skills to reinforce the growth of the renewable energy sector in the UAE."

Dr. Belhoul joins Masdar from Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, where he worked as CEO of Strategy. Prior to this, he was vice-president of Mubadala's industry unit.